East Coast Prospects

Thinking about picking up my CDP (commercial driving permit) in pittsburgh unless there is a driving location/school with one of the companies that can provide that along w/ decent training.

After careful consideration I managed to create a short list on a few companies that have passed my first phase and more which I had in mind. I setup each phase to break down these companies so I could have a list in mind to plan through to find a good starter company. Their is a 99% chance in 6-8 months I could switch companies or wait out the 2 years so the experience racks up.

The 1st phase broke each company down into wither their students were paid while they were in training, and had temporary living expenses covered. By passing the 1st phase it made it easier to research which companies had better training programs in-place regardless of travel and location.

I sound very ####y or to deep in this - but I have a business and legal background and when your possible future career is at stake you tend to dig deep into these companies instead of just taking someone at their word or YouTube video.

2nd phase revolved around finding out the best starting pay mixed w/ benefits for new drivers, but when your new and starting from square one you know flat out you won't start out making alot regardless of what the recruiter may or may not promise. (always ask for any guarantee they make to be put in writing - do not take them for there word) Some companies may pay you by the mile or have other options so keep that in mind...

Review all deduction that will be on your first pay stub or deposit, and understand what they are taking out when you go company and your a W2 employee. If you go lease or are a o/o you are considered a 1099 and not considered an employee but a contractor. (1099s can right off alot of expenses for tax purposes) What they may not tell you is that some companies may include a legal deduction for a lawyer which cost around $7 a week (depending on which ever company you pick), and that adds up to a few hundred dollars a year you may not even need. (always ask about what your being charged for and then decided on options you may not need but are paying for)

3rd phase is more mixed where you are deciding which companies have descent lease programs and which division you want to be attached to (Tanker/hazmat, Reefer, Flatbed, and Dry van). (most employees put in there 2 years before leaving for something better) In most (all) cases you will have to get an endorsement(s) to make more and to be able to ad onto your experience. (pay bump)

If your new from what I have been reading it is safer to put in your time and stay w/ the company vs leasing or becoming an o/o. Then again everyone is different so you may in fact want to go down that route, but in my case I will stay w/ the company and learned the business on that end before making the crossover. (better to avoid heavy losses at the start and to keep debt to a min)

4th phase becomes more complex since there are no available copies of any contracts that these companies have for you to sign, and it makes it harder to understand the fine print in possible penalties if you leave before your program and or training ends. These penalties can range from $3k/$7k/$10K and more depending on what the contract stipulates, and by signing a contract blindly you risk paying for it in the end if you leave early for a better company.

And 5th phase would be to accept an offer after a valid conclusion has been made..(done deal)

keep in mind some companies may advertise they want a driver w/ experience (6 months, 2 years, etc..), but check their main websites out and you may in fact find out they offer schooling and training.



Current short list on companies I'm looking into (random order):

- Roehl Transport (Paid CDL Truck Driver Training - 60k-70K yr no exp) - You'll be paid $500 a week as you get your CDL in their four-week CDL training program.


- Steven Transport (SPONSORED training - $50,000 their first year, and 70k your 3rd year) - ALLIANCE LEASING w/ a 60 DAY TRIAL, and you can pick Kenworth T-2000 or a Peterbilt 387.


- Prime Inc. (mixed feelings on this - they have a great training program)




Other companies I have also looked at:

- Pam Transport
- Maverick Transportation
- TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings, Inc.
- WEL Companies


From what I was able to post on the few companies that seem as if they may have what I am looking for what advise can you give me that would better help me decide on a final choice.

A company w/ a solid program that doesn't cost anything, has a job offer in place w/ a decent reputation. (not sure if that was asking for to much) - I do plan on leasing and eventually becoming an o/o but that is for another day and not during my first 1-2 years at which ever company I end up at. (pray the dispatchers aren't that terrible)

Thank you

 

Are their any catches w/ WEL or is it more straight forward w/ no hidden contracts. Within their contract what is the limit set at to where you can exit the program without having to pay anything back or is their a hidden fee set in place.

More interested in there training program length and the team driving setup and how long that will go on for before driving solo starts.


Question for current company drivers:

- How long did you stay company before switching to lease or o/o
- How long did you stay with your 1st company before finding a better one which paid out more
- What main issue was your deciding factor when you left your 1st company
- What is the longest you were able to stay out during your solo runs

 

Hoping to see where the poll is at and what other drivers can share before deciding to train for my CDP and take the next step for my CDL w/ one of the starter companies.

 

If I do ever make it through either program or one that was not listed I doubt i will ever be a trainer or team driver.....(prefer solo driving - solo otr would be the goal)

 

So would maverick work for a new driver who needs a cdl and the training or is maverick more geared for someone that has a CDL already and not so much w/ the training program.